UK Government Unveils WEEE 2024 Targets
2nd April 2024
The UK government has recently revealed its household Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection targets for the year 2024. This announcement comes amidst growing apprehensions regarding the environmental repercussions of electronic waste, with e-waste emerging as one of the fastest-growing waste streams on a global scale.
Mandate for Responsible Disposal
Aligned with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013, these targets aim to ensure the responsible disposal and recycling of electronic products across various categories. The regulations mandate stringent measures to mitigate the environmental impact of electronic waste and promote sustainable waste management practices nationwide.
Total Collection Targets
For the year 2024, the total household WEEE collection target has been established at 482,335 tonnes, marking a 2% increase from the previous year’s collections. This augmentation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to effectively manage electronic waste while upholding sustainable practices.
Specific Targets
Under the new targets, specific collection objectives have been outlined for various categories of electronic equipment, including:
- Large Household Appliances (LHA): Maintaining the collection level of the previous year, a target of 159,273 tonnes has been set, propelled by consistent scrap metal prices and steady collection rates.
- Small Mixed WEEE (SMW): With a target of 137,185 tonnes, the government aims to leverage ongoing communication campaigns and consumer take-back schemes to stimulate increased recycling of small electronic devices.
- IT and Telecoms Equipment: Reflecting a 4.6% increase from 2023, a target of 41,415 tonnes has been set for this category, driven by technological advancements and heightened electronic device usage.
- Display Equipment: Setting a target of 46,239 tonnes, the government seeks to address the escalating trend of display equipment disposal by adjusting targets to accommodate higher volumes stored in 2023 for 2024 targets.
Moving Forward
As the nation progresses with these targets, stakeholders spanning various industries, including producers, retailers, and consumers, are poised to play pivotal roles in achieving these objectives and nurturing a more sustainable approach to electronic waste management.